The Shot Dude: Tipping Tonight's NHL Fantasy Plays
The NHL has an abbreviated three-game slate tonight.
And it's time to zero in on a few gems to include in your fantasy lineup.
We think they'll give you strong odds of cashing in at the likes of FanDuel.
Here's the schedule, compliments of the Bovada Data Tool on our Home page:
Clearly, more details on all action can be found there.
But let's get to the business at hand.
Forwards
Alexander Ovechkin (FD:$10,000; DK: $9300) ... It might seem silly to list Ovechkin here because you're intelligent enough to put him in your lineup if you're paying up.
However, Ovechkin is the strongest play tonight simply because of his high shot volume. Dude's taken 32 shots in 6 games. No other player in the NHL even comes close to averaging over 5 per game. This has resulted in 9 points -- 5 goals and 4 assists -- so far. No one else is averaging anywhere near 1.5 points per game, either.
To me, he's the strongest play any night he steps on the ice. Playing at home and in the national spotlight, I'll be spending on Ovie tonight!
Phil Kessel (FD: $7900; DK: $7200) ... From the same game, I think Kessel makes a good play, too. Many think Kessel and the Pens have underachieved so far, but things can turn around quickly in the NHL.
In what I think will be a 3-2 game, someone will score for Pittsburgh. Kessel has taken 30 shots in 8 games this season. While his points have been few and far between -- 3 goals and 1 assist -- I think that'll change starting tonight. Kessel is too fast and too skilled for him to only average 0.5 points per game.
For your GPPs, feel free to pair Kessel with Evgeni Malkin and David Perron. Both skate with Kessel on the Pens' second line at even strength. Malkin also skates with Kessel on the first power play unit. Perron provides some much-needed salary relief and gets time on the second power play unit, as well.
Kyle Turris (FD: $6500; DK: $6100) .. I like the start that Turris has had this season. In 8 games, dude's scored 4 goals and added 4 helpers on 21 shots taken.
Ottawa should get up close and personal with Flames G Jonas Hiller tonight. Hiller's start to the season can be described as woeful. He was pulled from his most recent start and has given up 3.5 goals per game, while only saving 87% of the shots he's seen.
This bodes well for Turris and his linemates Mark Stone and Shane Prince. This also makes for an affordable stack, as Prince is minimum salary across all sites.
Defensemen
John Carlson (FD: $5900; DK: $6400) ... It's strange when I see a player's salary higher on Draft Kings than on Fan Duel. But this is the case tonight with Carlson; and he may be more than you want to spend.
As far as production is concerned, dude's hard to fade. He's logged 23.5 minutes of ice time and registered over a point per game. In fact, his point-per-game average leads the league for all defensemen. He's the point man for the Caps' top power play unit, so his chance of adding to his 10 point total tonight is strong.
Roman Josi (FD: $6100; DK: $5900) ... You can call this pick a gut feeling. I like Nashville to grind out a one-goal victory tonight over the Sharks.
Josi might very well be a part of the scoring due to his high ice time and volume of shots. He plays over 24 minutes per game and has taken 25 shots in 8 games this season. He plays on the Preds' second power play unit. Of the 5 points he's registered this season, 3 were generated on the power play.
Cody Ceci (FD: $3500; DK: $2600) ... Cody Ceci; really? I know, he hasn't done much in 8 games this season.
You'll have to find some value to fit Ovechkin, Kessel and Turris in your lineup, and Ceci provides that. In a game I think the Sens will win comfortably, Ceci will most likely play close to 20 minutes and see time on the second power play unit. I think his point scoring will pick up eventually, so why not tonight?
Goaltender
Pekka Rinne (FD: $9200; DK: $7900) ... If he's between the pipes tonight -- and he most likely will be -- I think Rinne is the top goalie play. I've already mentioned this game should be a one-goal Predator victory.
The main reason why is the outstanding play in goal is Rinne's start to this season. He's averaged 27 saves while allowing less than 2 goals per game. Anytime I see a goalie who stops more than 93% of the shots he sees, I'll automatically consider him for my lineup. Rinne fits that bill and, in my opinion, has the best chance to record a shutout tonight.
If you need to save salary, Martin Jones -- also unconfirmed as of now -- is likely to get the nod at home in this low-scoring contest.
I hope you benefit from the suggestions I've given here. Remember, as in life, you cannot score unless you shoot!
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Results
Senators 5 Flames 4 SO
Turris ... 3 Shots, 1 Goal, 1 Assist
Ceci ... 2 Shots
Penguins 3 Capitals 1
Ovechkin ... 5 Shots
Kessel ... 2 Shots, 1 Goal
Carlson ... 2 Shots
Predators 2 Sharks 1
Josi ... 3 Shots, 1 Assist
Rinne ... 21 Shots, 20 Saves
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